Hotel Arenal Manoa - La Fortuna Guanacaste

[Tico]

Hello all,

Just came back from spending a couple of days in the Arenal Volcano area, and wanted to report on what I consider was an excellent find: Hotel Arenal Manoa.

http://www.arenalmanoa.com/

The place apparently opened just 4 months ago, but is owned by a local Costa Rican family that is very well off. Brand new accomodations, villa-style. Lots of privacy. Amazing landscaping... BEAUTIFUL grounds, swimming pool, hot water jacuzzi... Spectacular views of the volcano... great staff (friendly, and efficient) great breakfast.... 5 stars all around, and they are already growing, building what seems like a huge conference center. A river runs nearby... very, very relaxing place to stay and unwind, and kids will love the swimming pools as well.

The Hotel offers all guests a FREE TOUR of their dairy farm. They have cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Kids will love it. Very pleasant!

There is a discount available if you pay with a Credomatic Credit Card, 25% off.


If ever considering to vist the area, check it out.

 

[Tico]

Information on Hot Spings in the Arenal Volcano Area.

Tabacon Hot Springs Resort is the most luxurious place in the area. Rates: $60 per person (yea... $60!). For an extra $20, lunch or dinner can be included in the fee. This rate is completely prohibitive for locals.

Las Fuentes Termales. This place is/was located across the street from Tabacon, and was known as the Poorman's version of Tabacon. Well... Tabacon Resort bought the place out, and closed it down.

Hotel Los Lagos. They were the most reasonable in terms of rates for locals. They went as low as $15 per adult, and $10 per child. Didn't go inside, but their facilities looked nice. Huge property. Apparently they have a pound with crocodiles. They also have horse back riding tours, a huge lake, and several pools with hot springs, and others with cold water.

Baldi Hot Springs. The offered rate for locals was $30. Brochure looked nice


Good news for locals is that YOU CAN STILL FIND A WAY TO GET IN THE TABACON RIVER FOR FREE. hehehehe. Simply ask the guards in front of what used to be the poorman's version of Tabacon, and they will tell you exactly how to get in. There are two ways, but most common way is walking under the bridge LOL

 

[JudgeWapner]

Tabacon has gone nuts with the prices.

 

[hater]

Thanks for the info Tico. I'm heading up there in two weeks.

 

[NES]

It was just $20 a few years ago right?

 

[quantumleap]

Tabacon has gone nuts with the prices.

When I was there in February of 2006 it was nice but the lava flow area wasn't as visible as it was at other resorts. I think the next time I visit there I will stay at a place with a good line of site.

 

[Jack Herer]

Baldi Springs are very nice too. Tabacon has a more natural set up but Baldi is cool too and for the price difference definitely worth it. I've read some very bad reviews on Tabacon, specially from the spa.

This link has useful info.

http://www.arenal.net/

 

[MichaelScott]

Tabacon has gone nuts with the prices.

Very true Judge. I have no problem spending money, but I literally walked in that placed and asked them the price for the day and walked out. I maybe have paid that price in the states, but in CR those prices are ridiculous. Beautiful place though if you do go.

 

[Tortillera]

The Hotel offers all guests a FREE TOUR of their dairy farm. They have cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens. Kids will love it. Very pleasant!



Fucking Dairy Farm Tour? Thats a joke right?

 

[JudgeWapner]

You used to be able to get a room for $120 a night. For a day at the hot springs ,$20. This was about 2 years ago.

 

[Tico]

About the Dairy Farm Tour. No. It's not a joke.

The family that owns this place owns a HUGE amount of land... so the tour is 25-30 minute Nature Walk with a knowledgeable guide that talks about the types of plants, fruits, and wildlife in the area. You cross a small river... we happened to cross paths with a small yet very poisenous CORAL SNAKE. Made the tour all the more exciting. Had to "keep my eyes open" from that moment on. Wouldn't want to spoil a vacation like that, now would we? lol

After the nature walk, you end up in their farm. Despite the live stock, it is very well maintained (clean). A pleasant trip, and absolutely free! A tip for the guide is always advisable.

The tour is definitely worthwhile.

 

[Tortillera]

Soundsawesome thanks

 

[harman]

los lagos is decent enough. about 100 bucks a night (last oct). alligators and other wild life to check out. a couple pools, water slide (grab your nuts when you enter the water cuz its fast), hot springs...

 

[HarryBalzac]

That really sucks about Las Fuentes, It was a great place and reasonable and let you bring your own cooler / beer in ....I guess the fockers at Tabacon want to monopolize. I am planning to go there next Feb. possibly. Is there a comparable place? Baldi springs looks nice but the prices look pretty steep.

 

[Mason]

A tour of a dairy farm is AWESOME if you have kids (Which I do). Different strokes for different folks.